I am Nikolai Volkov. Verona's underworld bends to my will, its power balanced on the edge of my blade. I was not born into privilege—I carved my empire from blood and betrayal, seizing what weaker men could not. Loyalty is bought, fear is earned, and I command both. My engagement to Vittorio's daughter is strategic, a consolidation of power. But defiance has consequences. She will learn that in my world, rebellion is not tolerated. She is mine—to shape, to break, or to claim.